First, from 5:30-7 p.m., the women will be toasted at a cocktail reception at Mez, then from 8:30-11 p.m., they'll be the star attractions at a "runway-style" swimsuit fashion show at Whisky River, which also will screen a documentary about the making of the calendar produced by Fox Sports Carolinas.

The 14-month calendar, which spans November 2011-December 2012, will be available for sale at both Mez and Whisky River on Thursday for $15.

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

The actor and comedian who once chased spirits on-screen in "Ghostbusters" is now distilling them.

And this week, he's promoting them in the Carolinas. Dan Aykroyd will visit the Frugal MacDoogal in Fort Mill, S.C., on Thursday and a Mecklenburg County ABC Store in Charlotte on Friday. The former "Saturday Night Live" star will greet fans and autograph bottles of his vodka -- Crystal Head Vodka.

This isn't entirely new territory for Aykroyd; he's been involved with producing and distributing wine and spirits for more than seven years. He recently created Crystal Head Vodka "as a result of his fascination with the supernatural."

The super-premium vodka is made "with water from a deep aquifer in Newfoundland, Canada, blended with selected grains for a creamy and slightly sweet finish, and triple crystal filtered through Herkimer diamonds, which, according to New Age belief systems, embody positive energy and goodwill." It comes in a skull-shaped bottle that "celebrates the mystical legend of the 13 Crystal Heads possessed by tribal cultures such as the Aztec, the Mayan and the Navajo and recalls the celebration of the Mexican 'Day of The Dead' tradition."

Aykroyd will be at Frugal MacDoogal (3630 Festival Drive) from 1-3 p.m. Thursday. The Charlotte appearance, on Friday, is taking place from 1-3:30 p.m. at ABC Store # 4 (125 Cherry St.).

Monday, October 17, 2011

The new horror movie lands in theaters on Friday, Oct. 21, but lucky readers of CharlotteObserver.com can snag a free pass (good for themselves plus a guest) to the advance screening in Charlotte at 9 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 19. Act fast, though -- only 20 passes are available. Head to www.gofobo.com/rsvp and enter RSVP code GFB2F5F. If it accepts it, you'll be able to download and print the complimentary movie passes using your computer. (Seating is not guaranteed and available only on a first-come, first-served basis. Details about the location of the theater will be provided if you win.) Good luck!

Tuesday, October 11, 2011

It's not showing up on the Ovens Auditorium website just yet, but Live Nation issued a bare-bones press release late Monday announcing news that will be sweet music to Comedy Central fans:

Daniel Tosh, host of the cable channel's popular video clip show "Tosh.0," will perform stand-up at the Independence Boulevard venue on Saturday, Nov. 26. Tickets are set to go on sale at 10 a.m. this Friday.

"Tosh.0" is currently in its third season; the series premiered on June 4, 2009, and is the most-watched and highest-rated series on the network. It features razor-sharp humor and biting commentary from Tosh, and delves into all aspects of the Internet -- from the absolutely absurd to the incredibly ingenious.

If you were on the fence about whether or not you wanted to spend the cash, consider this: Ovens announced this afternoon a "buy-one-get-one" offer for customers purchasing through Ticketmaster. Just use the offer code "WEIRD" when selecting the "2 for 1 Tickets" deal and pit, orchestra and mezzanine tickets are just $34.35 each, while balcony seats can be had for as little as $28.20 apiece.

Monday, October 3, 2011

Scotty McCreery will perform the National Anthem prior to Game One of the 2011 World Series on Fox. The World Series begins on Wednesday, Oct. 19.

“This is absolutely incredible for me,” McCreery said in a statement. “I have had two loves in life -- music and baseball. The World Series is the biggest event in baseball, so to be there and be able to sing the National Anthem is like putting my two greatest loves together. I am looking forward to seeing which two teams will be playing."

McCreery, who won Season 10 of “American Idol” in May, became the youngest male winner and only country male winner in the show’s history with a record-breaking 122.4 million votes cast for the finale. McCreery will release his debut album, “Clear As Day,” on Tuesday.